The makeshift stage door is pushed open. From the shadows and amidst a cloud of smoke emerges a petite Nelly Furtado. A gentle wave, the sweetest smile ever and we are all enchanted. Light bulbs flash incessantly, as cameras capture her every move…a typical Mumbai welcome for yet another pop diva.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be here", gushes Furtado who is well known for her particular interest in Indian culture. "I have always wanted to come here and experience India, I guess the time has finally come." As a first generation Portuguese Canadian, Furtado was exposed to a variety of cultures, sounds and influences that helped mould her into the Nelly that friends and family know today. Discipline and humility are values instilled from her working class Roman Catholic parents. A strong work ethic from working alongside her mother who served as a housekeeper. But, for something that she is most proud of - her 'open minded' attitude, she credits her community, most of whom were Indians who highlighted the benefits of living in large families, eating spicy food - her favourite, butter chicken and naan…and listening to Hindi music. The last one, we must test and on further insistence convince her to sing a line from her favourite Hindi song. "Kabhi Kabhi mere dil mein…", she starts off shakily, "…khayaal aata hain". Shying at our applause she adds, "Forgive me please…I was warned against doing that."

Furtado's career began at the tender age of four, when she gave her first public performance - a duet with her mother at their local parish. She took to instruments at the age of nine, just in time to begin compiling her own music at twelve. Fast forward a few years to 2002 - a grown up Nelly wins her first Grammy Award. Presently, although Furtado is busy promoting her third album Loose, (a musical feat that won over the masses but not the critics), she is quick to reassure us where her true responsibilities lie, daughter Nevis - her mini musical genius who is eager to follow in her footsteps. Furtado jokes, "In fact, sometimes I worry that I will be competing with her very soon."

In an exclusive New Year's eve concert organised by cell phone giant, Nokia, Furtado brought in 2007 with Mumbaikars screaming, shouting and singing along to her tunes. A new year - a new beginning. As for her plans she says, "I just want to continue making music, be a better person and a great mother to my daughter."